JPH09274246A - Information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely photograph a subject by arranging an operation means for photographing the subject and an input means for inputting positional information on a vertical lower side from the farmed position of a photographing means. SOLUTION: A release switch 10 operated in the case of photographing the subject and a sound recording switch 12 operated in the case of inputting sound are arranged on a surface on the vertical lower side from a finder 2, a lens 3, a light emission part 4 and a microphone 8. In this device 1, sufficient length is secured on the vertical lower side from the finder 2, the lens 3 and the light emission part 4, thereby preventing them from being covered with a left hand 120 when the device is held. Then, the forefinger of the user's left hand 120 is arranged at the formed position of the release switch. Therefore, the subject is photographed by depressing the release switch 10 with the forefinger of the left hand, and the sound is inputted by depressing the switch 12 with the thumb.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input device, and more particularly, by arranging a release switch and a recording switch below a finder, a light emitting section, a photographing lens and a microphone, various information can be easily and reliably obtained. The present invention relates to an information input device capable of inputting into.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a kind of photographing apparatus for photographing a subject, a photographed image is converted into digital image data,
Electronic cameras that record on a recording medium such as a memory card are widely known.

Conventionally, there is a so-called electronic notebook as a device for storing handwritten information of a user. This electronic notebook is provided with a display device (for example, a liquid crystal panel) having a touch tablet formed on the surface thereof, and the user presses the touch tablet with a pen tip of a pen-type pointing device to obtain a desired touch tablet. Line drawing information can be input.

[0004]

When the electronic camera and the electronic notebook are integrated to have portability, the following problems occur.

12 and 13 are perspective views showing a configuration example of a portable information input device in which an electronic camera and an electronic notebook are integrated. In this information input device, a pressure-sensitive touch tablet 101 is formed on the surface of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel.
Information can be input by pressing the touch tablet 101 with the pen tip of the pen-type pointing device 110 shown in FIG.

When the subject is photographed using this information input device, the user looks into the finder 102 from the side where the touch tablet 101 is formed and confirms the photographing range of the subject. Then, when the release switch 103 provided on the upper surface of the information input device is operated, the light from the subject is condensed by the taking lens 104, and an image is formed by a photoelectric conversion unit (for example, CCD) not shown. It is photoelectrically converted into a signal. At this time, the light emitting unit 10
You may make it light-emits 5 and illuminate a to-be-photographed object.

The touch tablet 10 of this information input device
When inputting desired information to the user 1, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the user holds the information input device with the left hand 120 and uses the pen with the right hand (not shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). The die support device 110 is operated to bring the pen tip into contact with the touch tablet 101 to input information. At this time, the touch tablet 101 is the pen-type pointing device 1
Pressure is applied from 10 in the direction perpendicular to the plane. Therefore, in order to suppress camera shake when inputting information, the left hand 120 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the surface facing the formation surface of the touch tablet 101 must be securely held.

However, in such an information input device, when a shutter chance occurs in the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 (that is, during input of information to the touch tablet 101), the following problems occur. To do.
That is, in the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the right hand of the user is closed by the pen-type pointing device 110, and the left hand 120 of the user is closed for holding the information input device. Therefore, at this time, even if a photo opportunity occurs, the user cannot easily operate the release switch 103 provided on the upper surface of the information input device, and there is a problem that the photo opportunity is missed. .

Further, at this time, the taking lens 104 and the light emitting portion 105 are left hands 12 holding the information input device.
There is also a problem that it is covered with 0, and it becomes difficult to reliably photograph a desired subject.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to reliably photograph an object.

[0011]

An information input device of the present invention is provided with a photographing means for photographing a subject and a vertically lower side than a formation position of the photographing means, and is operated when photographing the subject. And the first input means which is provided vertically below the formation position of the photographing means and which receives two-dimensional position information.

In the information input device of the present invention, the image capturing means captures an image of a subject, and the first operating means that is operated when the image of the subject is captured is provided vertically below the formation position of the image capturing means. There is. The first input means for inputting the two-dimensional position information is provided vertically below the formation position of the photographing means.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the construction of an embodiment of an information input device to which the present invention is applied. In the information input device of the present embodiment, when a subject is photographed, the surface facing the subject is the surface X1 and the surface facing the user side is the surface X2. At the upper end of the surface X1, there are a finder 2 used for confirming the photographing range of the subject, a photographing lens 3 for taking in light from the subject, and a light emitting unit 4 for emitting light for illuminating the subject (both are photographing means). It is provided.

On the other hand, at the upper end portion of the surface X2 (the position corresponding to the upper end portion on which the finder 2, the operation lens 3 and the light emitting portion 4 are formed) of the surface X2 opposed to the surface X1, the finder 2 and this are provided. A speaker 5 that outputs the sound recorded in the information input device 1 is provided. Also, plane X2
LCD (display device) 6 and operation keys 7 formed on the
Is formed vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light emitting unit 4, and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6, a so-called touch tablet 6A is formed in which line drawing information (positional information) is input by pressing a pen-type pointing device (for example, the pen-type pointing device 110 in FIG. 14).

The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent resin such as glass resin, and the user observes the image displayed on the LCD 6 formed inside the touch tablet 6A through the touch tablet 6A. be able to.

The operation key 7 is a key that is operated when reproducing the recorded data displayed on the LCD 6, and is composed of the following keys. That is, the menu key 7A is a key operated when a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 6.
The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the record information selected by the user (described later).

The clear key 7C is operated when deleting recorded information. Cancel key 7D
Are keys operated when the reproduction process of recorded information is interrupted. The scroll key 7E is a key operated when the screen is scrolled in the vertical direction when a list of recording information is displayed on the LCD 6 (described later).

On the upper surface (surface Z) of this information input device 1,
A microphone 8 for collecting sound and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected are provided.

The left side surface (surface Y1) is provided with a release switch 10 and a power switch 11 which are operated when photographing a subject. The release switch 10 and the power switch 11 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided on the upper end of the surface X1.

On the other hand, a surface Y2 opposite to the surface Y1 (right side surface)
Has a recording switch 1 operated when recording voice.
2, and a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 operated when switching the continuous shooting mode at the time of shooting.
The recording switch 12 and the continuous shooting mode switch 13 are the release switch 10 and the power switch 1, respectively.
As in No. 1, it is arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided at the upper end of the surface X1. Further, the recording switch 12 is formed at substantially the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, and is configured so that it does not feel uncomfortable when held with either the left or right hand.

The height of the recording switch 12 and that of the release switch 10 are intentionally made different from each other. When one switch is pressed, the opposite side is held with a finger to cancel the moment due to this pressing force. The switch provided on the opposite side may be prevented from being pressed by mistake.

The continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is
This is used when the user presses the release switch 10 to take a picture of a subject, and to set whether to photograph only one frame of the subject or a plurality of predetermined frames. For example, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the S mode), only one frame is shot. Has been made to take place.

When the release switch 10 is pressed when the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where "L" is printed (ie, the mode is switched to the L mode), the release is performed. During the period in which the switch 10 is pressed, eight frames are shot per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Further, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the release switch 10 is pressed in a case where the pointer is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the H mode), during the period in which the release switch 10 is pressed, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Next, the internal structure of the information input device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration example of the information input device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CCD 20 is provided at the rear stage (on the side of the surface X2) of the taking lens 3, and photoelectrically converts light from a subject imaged through the taking lens 3 into an electric signal.

On the lower side of the LCD 6, four columnar batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged, and the power stored in the battery 21 is supplied to each unit. In addition, a capacitor 22 that stores charge for causing the light emitting unit 4 to emit light is arranged alongside the battery 21.

On the circuit board 23, various control circuits for controlling each part of the information input device 1 are formed. A removable memory card 24 is provided between the circuit board 23 and the LCD 6 and the battery 21, and various kinds of information input to the information input device 1 are preset in the memory card 24. It is recorded in the area where it is recorded.

In this embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed. However, a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various information can be recorded in the memory. Further, various information recorded in the memory (memory card 24) may be output to an external personal computer via an interface (not shown).

Next, the internal electrical configuration of the information input device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal).

Correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS
) 31 is configured to sample the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing. An analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the CDS 31 and supplies it to a digital signal processor (hereinafter, referred to as DSP) 33.

The DSP 33 is adapted to compress the digitized image signal and output it to the CPU 34. The CPU 34 transfers the digitized and compressed image signal (hereinafter simply referred to as photographed image data) to a predetermined area (photographed image recording area) of the memory card 24 via an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 35. It is made to record.

Further, the CPU 34 has a built-in clock circuit (not shown), and records the date and time of photographing as header information of image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. (That is, the photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by data of the photographing date and time).

The microphone 8 inputs voice information (collects voice) and supplies the voice information to the A / D conversion circuit 36. The A / D conversion circuit 36 digitizes the supplied audio information and outputs it to the DSP 33. The DSP 33 compresses the digitized audio information and outputs it to the CPU 34.

The CPU 34 sends the digitized and compressed audio data to the memory card 24 via the I / F 35.
Is recorded in a predetermined area (audio recording area). At this time, the data of the recording date and time is recorded as the header information of the audio data in the audio recording area of the memory card 24.

When a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen-type pointing device operated by the user, C
The PU 34 reads the XY coordinates of the pressed position of the touch tablet 6A, and stores the coordinate data (line drawing information described later) in an internal buffer memory (not shown). The CPU 34 records the line drawing information accumulated in the buffer memory together with the header information of the line drawing information input date and time in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

An LCD 6 is connected to the CPU 34 via a frame memory 37, and an image can be displayed. However, the captured image data that has undergone the compression process
The data is once input to the DSP 33, where it is expanded and then supplied to the frame memory 37.

Further, a speaker 5 is connected to the DSP 33 through a digital / analog conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as a D / A conversion circuit) 38, and the D / A conversion circuit 3
The audio signal converted into an analog signal at 8 is output from the speaker 5.

Next, various operations of the information input device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

First, the input / output processing of audio information of the present apparatus (however, the input / output processing of only audio information) will be described. The power switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side printed as “ON”, the information input device 1 is powered on,
When the recording switch 12 provided on the surface Y2 is pressed, a voice recording process (voice information input process) is started. The voice information is input via the microphone 8 and A /
Digitized by the D conversion circuit 36
3 is output.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized voice data. The audio data compressed by the DSP 33 is recorded in the audio recording area of the memory card 24 via the CPU 34 and the I / F 35. At this time, in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, the data of the recording date and time is recorded as header information of the compressed audio data.

The voice in this case is compressed and recorded by the PCM system, but another system may be used.

When reproducing the voice data recorded in the voice recording area of the memory card 24, the LCD 6 shown in FIG.
Operate the display of. On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5, the date when the information was recorded (record date)
(In this case, August 25, 1995) is displayed on the lower end of the screen, and the recording time of the information recorded on the recording date is displayed on the leftmost side of the screen.

A thumbnail image and a thumbnail image preparation symbol “*” (both of which will be described later) are displayed to the right of the recording time. The information with this display is information including captured image information. That is, "10:16", "10
The information recorded (input) at “21:21”, “10:54”, and “13:10” includes captured image information, and “10:05”, “10:28” The image information is not included in the information recorded in ".

On the right side of the display area of the thumbnail image, a voice information bar is displayed, and a bar (line) having a length corresponding to the length of the recording time is displayed (if voice information is not input, Do not show).

The user presses any part of the display line of the desired information on the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5 with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device to select the information to be reproduced, and the execute key 7B shown in FIG. By pressing with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device, the selected information is reproduced.

For example, when the line indicating "10:05" shown in FIG. 5 is pressed by the pen type pointing device, the CPU 34 causes the selected recording date and time (10:05).
Minute) is read from the memory card 24 and supplied to the DSP 33. The audio data (compressed audio data) supplied to the DSP 33 is expanded there and output to the D / A conversion circuit 38.

The audio signal analogized in the D / A conversion circuit 38 is reproduced through the speaker 5. When an earphone (not shown) is connected to the earphone jack 9, sound is not reproduced from the speaker 5, but sound is reproduced via the earphone (not shown).

Next, the photographing of the subject and the output of the photographed image by this apparatus will be described.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y2 is changed over to the S mode (a mode for shooting only one frame) will be described. When the power switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side printed as “ON” and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject starts. To be done.

The light from the subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The light from the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampled by one. The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33.

The DSP 33 combines the digitized image signal with discrete cosine transform, quantization, and Huffman coding to form a JPEG (Joint Photogr).
The data is compressed in accordance with an apex (Experts Experts Group) method and output to the CPU 34. , CPU 34 outputs the digitized and compressed photographic image data to the I / F.
The image is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 via 35. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

When the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, subsequent shots will not be taken. Not done Also,
When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, LC
The captured image is displayed on D6.

Second, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the L mode (a mode in which 8 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power switch 11 is switched to the side printed as "ON" and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

Light from an object observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the taking lens 3 and is focused on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The light from the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampling is performed eight times a second by one.
Also, at this time, the CDS 31 thins out three-quarters of the pixels of the image electric signal of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. , The image signal of one pixel arranged at a predetermined position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

For example, in the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled and the other pixels b, c, d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b at the upper right of each area is sampled, and the other pixels a,
c and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and fourth samplings, the lower left pixel c and the lower right pixel d
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of a quarter of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized image signal according to the JPEG method and supplies it to the CPU 34. The CPU 34 records the digitized and compressed photographed image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 via the I / F 35. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

Thirdly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
The case where is switched to the H mode (a mode for continuously shooting 30 frames per second) will be described. When the power switch 11 is switched to the side printed as "ON" and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

The light from the subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the taking lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20. Light from a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and the CDS 3
1 is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, the CDS 31 thins out 8/9 of the image electrical signals of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 3 × 3 pixels, as shown in FIG. 7, and places the pixels in predetermined areas at predetermined positions. The image electric signal of one pixel arranged is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second, and the remaining eight pixels are thinned out.

For example, in the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b disposed on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and subsequent samplings, the pixels c, d,.
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of one-ninth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized image signal according to the JPEG method and outputs it to the CPU 34.

The CPU 34 records the digitized and compressed photographed image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the photographing date and time.

When the photographed image data recorded in the memory card 24 is reproduced, the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5 is operated as in the case of the reproduction processing of the audio data described above. The thumbnail image shown in FIG. 5 is created by thinning out (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the captured image data recorded in the memory card 24.

In this case, among the display screens shown in FIG.
Information on a captured image is included in the information of the line on which the thumbnail image or the thumbnail image preparation symbol “*” is displayed. The user presses the desired thumbnail image with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device to select the information, and presses the execution key 7B to reproduce the selected information.

The CPU 34 reads out the photographed image data corresponding to the selected photographing date and time from the memory card 24,
Supply to DSP33. The captured image data (compressed captured image data) supplied to the DSP 33 is decompressed there and output to the CPU 34 again. The CPU 34
The captured image data is temporarily stored in the frame memory 27 as bitmap data and displayed on the LCD 6.

The image photographed in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. This still image is CC
It goes without saying that the image signals of all the pixels of D20 are reproduced.

Images taken in the L mode are continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is CCD2
0 is a quarter of the total number of pixels.

Since the human eye is sensitive to the deterioration of the resolution of the still image, thinning out the pixels of the still image is perceived by the user as the deterioration of the image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting increases, eight frames are shot per second in the L mode, and when this image is reproduced at a speed of eight frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame becomes equal to the number of pixels of the CCD 20. Although this is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames per second, the amount of information perceived by the human eye per second is twice as large as that of a still image.

That is, 1 of an image taken in S mode
When the number of pixels of a frame is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of an image shot in the L mode is 1/4. When an image (still image) taken in S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, 1
The amount of information that the human eye can see per second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) ×
(The number of frames is 1)). On the other hand, when an image taken in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information that human eyes can see in one second is 2 (= (number of pixels 1/4) × (number of frames 8)) (that is, Human eyes receive twice as much information as a still image). Therefore, even if the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ４, the user can observe the reproduced image at the time of reproduction without much concern about deterioration in image quality.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6, so that an afterimage effect occurs to the human eye and 4 minutes per frame. Even if three pixels are thinned out, the user can observe the image captured in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without having to worry about the deterioration of the image quality.

The image photographed in the H mode is LC
It is continuously displayed at a rate of 30 frames per second on D6. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is C
Although the number of pixels of the CD 20 is one-ninth of the total number of pixels, for the same reason as in the case of the L mode, the user can copy an image captured in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about deterioration in image quality. Can be observed.

In the present embodiment, when the subject is photographed in the L mode and the H mode, the CDS 31 thins out the pixels of the CCD 20 to the extent that the deterioration of the image quality during reproduction is not noticed. Can be reduced, and the DSP 33 can be operated at low speed and low power. Further, this makes it possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the device.

If necessary, the light emitting section 4 can be operated to irradiate the subject with light.

Next, the operation of inputting two-dimensional information (pen input information) from the touch tablet 6A will be described. When the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen tip of a pen type pointing device (not shown), the XY coordinates of the contacted portion are input to the CPU 34. This XY coordinate is the CPU
The data is stored in a buffer memory (not shown) in the inside of the frame 34, and the data is written in the inside of the frame memory 37 at a position corresponding to each point of the above-mentioned XY coordinates.
Displayed above.

As described above, since the touch tablet 6A formed on the surface of the LCD 6 is composed of the transparent member, the user can see the point displayed on the LCD 6 (the pen tip of the pen type pointing device). The point at the pressed position)
Can be observed, and it can be felt as if a direct pen input was made on the LCD 6. In addition, when the pen type pointing member is moved on the touch tablet 6A,
A line accompanying the movement of the pen-type pointing device is displayed on the LCD 6. Furthermore, a pen-type pointing device is attached to the touch tablet 6
When it is moved intermittently on A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen type pointing device is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs desired line drawing information such as characters and graphics to the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

Further, as will be described later, when line image information is input by the pen-type pointing device when a captured image is displayed on the LCD 6, this line image information is stored in the frame memory 37 together with the captured image information. Combined, L
It is displayed simultaneously on CD6.

By operating a color selection switch (not shown), the user can select the color of a line image displayed on the LCD 6 from colors such as black, white, red, and blue.

Touch tablet 6 using pen-type pointing device
When the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed after the input of the line drawing information to A, the line drawing information stored in the buffer memory inside the CPU 33 is stored in the memory card via the I / F 35 together with the header information of the input date and time. 24, and is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

The line drawing information recorded on the memory card 24 is information that has been subjected to compression processing. Since the line drawing information input to the touch tablet 6A contains a lot of information having a high spatial frequency component, if the compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compressing the photographed image, the compression efficiency is low and the information amount is not reduced. The time required for compression and decompression increases. Furthermore, since the compression by the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for the compression of line drawing information having a small amount of information (when expanded and displayed on the LCD 6, gathers and bleeding due to lack of information are noticeable. To get it).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the line drawing information is compressed by a run length method used in a facsimile or the like. The run-length method scans the line drawing screen in the horizontal direction, and the continuous length of information (dots) of each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the continuous length of no information (the part where there is no pen input). This is a method of compressing line drawing information by encoding the line drawing information.

By using this run length method,
Line drawing information can be compressed to a minimum, and even when the compressed line drawing information is expanded, loss of information can be suppressed. The line drawing information may not be compressed when the information amount is relatively small.

Further, as described above, when a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when a pen input is performed, the photographed image data and the line drawing information of the pen input are synthesized in the frame memory 37, and the photographed image and the line drawing information are combined. The composite image of LC
Displayed on D6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, the captured image data is recorded in the captured image recording area and the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area. As described above, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can delete one of the images (for example, the line drawing) from the composite image of the captured image and the line drawing,
Further, each image information can be compressed by an individual compression method.

By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, various information (data) recorded in the memory card 24 is accompanied by data of the date and time when each information was input as header information. . The user can use the LCD
It is possible to select and reproduce desired information from the date and time data displayed on the screen 6 (FIG. 5).

When a plurality of pieces of information (photographed image, voice, line drawing) are input at the same time, each piece of information is recorded separately in a predetermined area of the memory card 24. Header information of the same date and time is attached.

For example, when the information A (photographed image), the information B (voice), and the information C (line drawing) are simultaneously input, the respective information A, B, C recorded in a predetermined area of the memory card 24.
Are provided with data of the same input date and time as header information. Further, the header information of the information A may be set as the data of the input date and time, and the header information of the information B and C may be set as the data indicating the information A.

By the above, the information inputted at the same time is reproduced at the time of reproduction.

Further, in the present embodiment, after the first information (for example, the photographed image) is recorded, the second information (for example, line drawing) different from the first information is added to the first information. It can also be recorded in the form. As described above, when adding the second information in addition to the first information, the second information is input while the first information is reproduced.
Hereinafter, a detailed description of this case will be described.

For example, when the prerecorded audio information is reproduced, when the release switch 10 is pressed and the photographing process of the subject is performed, the memory card 2
The photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area No. 4 is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the recording of the audio information was started.

In addition, for example, August 25, 1995, 10
During the playback of the audio information whose recording was started at 15:00,
When one minute has elapsed from the start of the reproduction (that is, when the reproduction data has become the data at 10:06 on August 25, 1995), when the photographing processing is performed, it is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. 199 image data
It is also possible to add header information at 10:06 on August 25, 5 (start time (10: 5)
May be used as header information, or one of them may be registered as a default (the selection is made by the user).

Similarly, when the line drawing information is input when the prerecorded audio information is reproduced,
In the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, the same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of the audio information is recorded together with the line drawing information.

When the line drawing information is input in the case where the voice information and the photographed image information which are input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the voice information ( Alternatively, the same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of the (captured image information) is recorded.

In the case where the voice information and the line drawing information which have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, when the captured image information is input, the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 stores the captured image data together with the audio information. The same header information as the recording date and time (or line drawing information) is recorded.

When audio information is input while a previously input captured image is being reproduced, the audio information recording area of the memory card 24, together with the audio data, includes header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. The same header information as is recorded.

When line image information is input while a previously input captured image is being reproduced, the line image information is recorded in the line image information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. The same header information as is recorded.

When the voice information is input while the captured image information and the line drawing information that have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the captured image information ( Alternatively, the same header information as the recording date and time of the line drawing information) is recorded.

When the photographed image information is input while the previously inputted line drawing information is being reproduced, the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 shows the recording date and time of the line drawing information together with the photographed image data. The same header information as the header information is recorded.

When the audio information is input while the previously input line drawing information is being reproduced, the audio data in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, together with the header information of the recording date and time of the line drawing information. The same header information is recorded.

As described above, when the second information is input while the previously recorded first information is being reproduced, the recording date and time of the first information is the header information of the second information. Becomes By doing so, even if information is added later, the relationship between the original information and the added information can be maintained.

Next, description will be made regarding a case where voice is recorded while a subject is being photographed.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the S mode (single shooting mode) will be described. First, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input, and in the voice information recording area of the memory card 24, the header information of the recording start date and time is recorded together with the voice data. When the release switch 10 is pressed during the input of the audio information (S mode),
One frame of the subject is photographed, and the photographed image data is recorded on the memory card 24. The photographed image data is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the release switch 10 is pressed (at the start of photographing).

On the other hand, first, when the release button 10 is pressed, one frame of the subject is photographed. At this time, in the captured image data recorded on the memory card 24, the date and time when the image was captured is recorded as header information. Furthermore, when the release button 10 is continuously pressed, the captured image is displayed on the LCD 6, and at this time, the recording switch 1
When 2 is pressed, voice information is input. At this time, the date and time when the image was captured is attached to the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 as header information.

Next, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to L mode or H mode (continuous shooting mode). First, when the release switch 10 is pressed and then the recording switch 12 is pressed, and when the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 are pressed simultaneously, the captured image and audio information are recorded as shown below. You.

When the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the L mode, eight frames are photographed per second, and photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. Is attached with header information of the date and time when each image was captured. Therefore, the date and time at intervals of 0.125 seconds are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is recorded every 0.125 seconds (but continuously input), and the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 is also recorded at intervals of 0.125 seconds. Date and time header information is recorded.

Similarly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the H mode, 30 frames are photographed per second, and the photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 includes the date and time when each photographed. Is attached.
Therefore, the date and time at 1/30 second intervals are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is 1
/ Recorded every 30 seconds (but continuously entered)
Also in the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24, header information of the date and time at 1/30 second intervals is recorded.

As described above, when a photographed image or sound is edited after recording, if any photographed image is removed, the voice information having the same header information as the header information of the photographed image can be also removed. it can.

On the other hand, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the recording mode is switched to the L mode or the H mode (when the mode is switched to the continuous shooting mode), when the recording switch 12 is pressed first and then the release switch 10 is pressed, the data is recorded on the memory card 24. The information to be recorded includes the following header information.

That is, in this case, the voice data until the release switch 10 is pressed is recorded as one file in the voice information recording area of the memory card 24. After that, when the release switch 10 is pressed, the header information of the date and time corresponding to each frame of the captured image is recorded together with the audio data.

Next, holding of the information input device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. That is, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the finder 2, the photographing lens 3 and the light emitting unit 4 used for photographing a subject are
It is provided at the upper end of the device body. Further, a microphone 8 for inputting voice is provided on the upper surface (surface Z) of the apparatus body.

Further, a release switch 10 operated when photographing a subject and a recording switch 12 operated when inputting voice are respectively provided from the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light emitting section 4 and the microphone 8. Is also provided on the vertically lower surface Y1 and surface Y2.

Further, on the surface X2, the LCD 6 is arranged vertically below the finder 2, and inside the apparatus, the battery 21 and the capacitor 22 shown in FIG. 3 are provided vertically below the LCD 6. There is.

Hold the pen-type pointing device (not shown) in the right hand, and
When inputting line drawing information to the CD 6 (touch tablet 6A), as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
(The surface facing the surface X1 on which the LCD 6 is formed)
It is securely held by the palm of the left hand 120.

In this information input device 1, a sufficient length is secured vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting section 4 (battery 21 and capacitor 22).
Therefore, the left hand 120 holding the device does not cover the respective parts 2 to 4.
Further, in the present embodiment, the release switch 1 in which the index finger of the user's left hand 120 is provided on the surface Y2.
The thumb of the left hand 120 is placed on the plane Y.
The recording switch 12 is provided on the first position. Therefore, when line drawing information is being input to the touch tablet 6A, even if a shutter chance or the like suddenly occurs, the release switch 10 can be pressed with the index finger of the left hand to shoot a subject, and the thumb can be used to record the sound. You can input voice by pressing.

Further, since the release switch is provided on the right side surface (surface Y1) of the surface X2 facing the user side, the user can operate the release switch 10 with the right hand like a normal camera. .

In the information input device 1 of this embodiment, when the user holds the information input device 1, the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 are arranged so that the user can use either the right hand or the left hand. However, they are formed symmetrically (formed at almost the same height).

Further, the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 can be arranged on the surface X1 and the surface X2, respectively, as shown in FIGS. Also in this case, the switches 10 and 12 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, the light emitting unit 4, and the like. Even with this arrangement,
The user can securely hold the information input device 1A without covering the above-mentioned parts 2 to 4 with the left hand 120, operate the recording switch 12 with his thumb, and operate the release switch 10 with his index finger. be able to.

In the above description, the photographed image data and the audio data are associated with each other by the header information.
For example, the correspondence may be collectively recorded as search information separately from the captured image data and the audio data.

[0121]

As described above, in the information input device of the present invention, the first operating means to be operated when photographing a subject and the first input means to which position information is input are the photographing means. Since it is arranged vertically below the formation position of, the subject can be photographed easily and reliably.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an embodiment of an information input device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the information input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from a side facing a surface X1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the information input device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of the information input device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen operated when reproducing recorded information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the L mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the H mode.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example in which the information input device 1 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example in which the information input device 1 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where an information input device 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention is held by a left hand.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where an information input device 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention is held by a left hand.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an information input device in which an electronic camera and an electronic notebook are integrated.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an information input device in which an electronic camera and an electronic notebook are integrated.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the information input device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the information input device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is held by the left hand.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1A Information input device 2 Finder 3 Photographing lens 4 Light emitting part 5 Speaker 6 LCD 6A Touch tablet 7 Operation key 7A Menu key 7B Run key 7C Clear key 7D Cancel key 7E Scroll key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone jack 10 Release switch 11 Power switch 12 recording switch 13 continuous shooting mode selection switch 20 CCD 21 battery 22 capacitor 23 circuit board 24 memory card 31 correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 32 analog / digital conversion circuit 33 digital signal processor (DSP) 34 CPU 35 interface 36 analog / Digital conversion circuit 37 Frame memory 38 Digital / analog conversion circuit 101 Touch tablet 102 Finder 10 Release switch 104 photographic lens 105 emitting unit 110 the pen type pointing device 120 left

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A photographing means for photographing a subject, a first operation means provided vertically below a formation position of the photographing means and operated when photographing the subject, and the formation of the photographing means. It is provided vertically below the position and 2
An information input device, comprising: first input means for inputting dimensional position information. 2. A second input unit for inputting voice, and a second operating unit operated when inputting the voice, the first and second operating units, and the first operating unit. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is provided below the photographing unit and the second input unit. 3. The first operating means is arranged on a first side surface adjacent to a surface on which the first input means is formed, and the second operating means is arranged on the first side surface. It arrange | positions at the 2nd side surface which opposes, 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.
Information input device described in. 4. The first operation means is arranged on either the surface on which the first input means is formed or the surface opposite to the surface, and the second operation means is the first operation means. The information input device according to claim 2, wherein the information input device is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface on which the operating means is arranged. 5. The photographing means, a finder used for confirming a photographing range of the subject, a light emitting device for emitting light for illuminating the subject, a photographing lens for condensing light from the subject, the photographing 5. A CCD for photoelectrically converting the light condensed by a lens into an electric signal.
The information input device according to any one of the above. 6. The touch tablet according to claim 1, wherein the first input unit is a touch tablet in which two-dimensional position information is input by pressing the surface thereof. Information input device. 7. The display means for displaying an image is further provided, and the first input means is formed on at least a part of the display means. Information input device. 8. The information input device according to claim 7, further comprising storage means for storing electric power, wherein the storage means is provided below the display means.